"To get anywhere we've had to sit tight on
the game we're playing. But, from the word Cutter brings, poor old
Brocky is pretty hard hit, and I couldn't take any chances with his
life even though it means taking chances in another direction."
He might have been a shade less frank; and yet she liked him none the
less for giving her the truth bluntly. He was but tacitly admitting
that he knew nothing of her; and yet in this case he would prefer to
call upon her than on Caleb Patten.
"No, I don't trust Patten," he continued, the chain of thought being
inevitable. "Not that I'd call him crooked so much as a fool for Jim
Galloway to juggle with. He talks too much."
"You wish me to say nothing of to-night's ride?"
"Absolutely nothing. If you are missed before we get back Struve will
explain that you were called to see old Ramorez, a half-breed over
yonder toward Las Estrellas. That is, provided we get back too late
for it to appear likely that you are just resting in your room or
getting things shipshape in your office. That's why I am explaining
about Brocky."
"Since you represent the law in San Juan, Mr. Norton," she told him,
"since, further, Mr. Engle indorses all that you are doing, I believe
that I can go blindfolded a little. I'd rather do that than have you
forced against your better judgment to place confidence in a stranger.
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